Black Vulture

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Recent evidence suggests that a warming climate is causing the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), once only found in the Southeastern United States, to expand its range northward to New York State.

It is a large, dark feather new world vulture, a bit smaller than the related Turkey Vulture.

The picture shows a black vulture in one typical pose, drying its wings. The picture highlights the white shafts and lighter colored feathers on its outer primaries. In flight, the Black Vulture can be identified by the white patches under the wings.

Unlike the related Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture is an opportunistic feeder, not only scavenging for carrion where available and killing, but also killing live animals and birds, including domestic animals.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels